Bed Rest - Plainfield, IL

Updated on
September 29, 2006

K.F.
asks from
Plainfield, IL
on August 03, 2006

35
answers

I am 31 weeks pregnant and after a scare with pre-term labor, I am on home bed rest until the baby arrives. The problem is that I will not be able to attend our birthing classes or the breast-feeding class. Does anyone know of anyway I can get some home instruction on either of these topics?

K.D.

answers from
Chicago
on
September 01, 2006

Why don't you try calling the hospital that you are delivering at and ask them if they have any recomendations. Regarding Breast-feeding, try calling up Le Leche... they will have a lactation consultant in the area that you can hire to help you.

C.S.

answers from
Chicago
on
August 24, 2006

I know a doula and a Bradley method instructor not far from you. What type of classes were you interested in. I can put you guys in touch and she may be willing to do private classes. There are many teachers who would be willing to do this

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C.S.

answers from
Chicago
on
August 24, 2006

I know a doula and a Bradley method instructor not far from you. What type of classes were you interested in. I can put you guys in touch and she may be willing to do private classes. There are many teachers who would be willing to do this

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C.

answers from
Chicago
on
August 03, 2006

my email address is ____@____.com you would like to give me your email address I can give this to a girl I work with here at the sleep lab. She use to head up La Leche, I think that is how you spell it. I am sure she can help you at least with the breast feeding portion. I think she used midwives for her births

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K.D.

answers from
Chicago
on
September 01, 2006

Why don't you try calling the hospital that you are delivering at and ask them if they have any recomendations. Regarding Breast-feeding, try calling up Le Leche... they will have a lactation consultant in the area that you can hire to help you.

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S.B.

answers from
Chicago
on
August 03, 2006

Hi K.. I am S. and I just joined this sight last night. I am a labor doula and I also help with breastfeeding and also can help with birth consultation things. I would be happy to talk with you about the possibility of me helping you out. Just let me know. You can visit my website at www.tendermomentsdoula.com.
Take care,
S. Bailey CLD

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L.B.

answers from
Chicago
on
August 03, 2006

sorry to hear you're on bedrest. for breastfeeding, a great resource would be to hook up with your local LLL leader -- if you have a chapter in your town or nearby and the leader(s) are anything like mine, i'm sure they'll be open to at least phone, if not some one-on-one time to help you prepare. they might also have books for you to borrow so you can read up on it. the womanly art of breastfeeding is the official LLL handbook and a great resource to read in advance and have onhand those early days and months (and beyond). there are other helpful books as well, but i'm not as familiar with them.

for birth classes, it totally depends what kind of birth you are planning. doulas are a wonderful resource for any birth. they typically meet with parents in advance of a birth several times to help you prepare and just get your head around the event that is to come, as well as offering support by phone whenever you have questions. they then attend the birth as your advocate -- an extra set of hands to give massage and help you relax, someone to give your husband a little break, someone who's very familiar with the birth process and offers all kinds of non-medical support and help. there are also independent childbirth instructors -- you can probably find someone with a similar philosophy near enough to come teach an individual class by doing an online search.

Their phone number is ###-###-#### and then hit #4 to speak with an administrator.

And congratulations to you for taking care of yourself as well as realizing that you may need more help and asking for it. Some people would probably just get depressed and not seek out more knowledge. Good job!!

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B.F.

answers from
Chicago
on
August 04, 2006

Hi K.,

I was in the same situation with my first child. At the hospital, the nurses helped me with the breathing during labor. And most of my friends gave me the same advice--the information they learned in birthing class was not even used. You'll figure out what helps with the pain. I had my first child naturally with no drug, or classes.

I breast fed for the first year. They should have a support system in the hospital for nursing. They can show you how to do it and usually follow-up on it with the mothers.

Since you are on bed rest, use your computer to gather info on both subjects. There is a lot of info on the internet. You can go to the message boards at Parents.com--I found some info from other mom's on there. Plus you will have something to do while on bed rest and won't be so bored. You also may be able to find video/DVD's on both subjects to buy.

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E.B.

answers from
Chicago
on
August 03, 2006

Hi K.
Don't worry!!! My husband and I have three children and never attend a birthing class. The nurses help you a ton. As far as nursing goes don't worry about that either. All the nurses in the hospital are helpful and there is a lactation consultation who comes in on a daily basis to assist you. Just rest and watch some great movies because those days are going to be over very soon.
E.

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J.

answers from
Chicago
on
August 03, 2006

K.,

I am sorry about your bedrest. I was put on bedrest at 30 weeks of my first pregnancy due to pre-term labor as well- until I delivered my baby at 38 weeks last year. I missed all the classes that I have registered to(birthing/breastfeeding classes). I was worried, but everything turned out well - the nurse and doctor who delivered my baby guided me, and also woman's instinc worked. Try not to worry too much.... rest and take care of yourself now. I can be reached at ____@____.com if you need someone to talk to. I know how bedrest can be isolating.

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L.P.

answers from
Chicago
on
August 04, 2006

Check with your hospital you are delivering at...or even your doctor. They may have some in-home visits they can do. Or, even suggest some video's/books. In fact, they may have some on hand to lend you. The doctor should understand your situation and be able to suggest something for you.

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A.O.

answers from
Chicago
on
August 04, 2006

try going through hospital or doc first for info on referrals. a lot of ob/gyn practices usually employ a lactation consultant that can make home visits. reading books on the subject is also helpful as well. congrats and good luck!

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I.H.

answers from
Chicago
on
August 04, 2006

K.,
It sounds like a difficult situation and scary to have experienced pre-term labor. But what a pro-active way to deal with things: already taking care of life, details, complications with the capacity of a knowing mother. Way to go! Reaching out in this situation leads me to think you will meet your labor, birth and early parenting with grace, determination and strength, able to open to whatever happens. It sounds like you already know what you most need to know!

If you do decide you would like to process through birth and postpartum issues from your home, I am available for childbirth preparation classes, taught individully in your home. I am a Birthing From Within Childbirth Mentor and DONA certified doula. I would be happy to speak with you more on the phone to see if there is any way I can support you, whether it be offering you an in-home class or just talking through some of your options.
Best to you and your little growing one.
Take care,
I. Hoskins
###-###-####
____@____.com

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S.S.

answers from
Chicago
on
August 04, 2006

To be honest the nurses in the hospital will help you with both. I attended birthing class with my first child, my water broke at home and I was not allowed to get out of bed and do any of the things that we learned in class. I also was not able to attend a brastfeeding class so after I gave birth I asked for the lacation nurse to come in and give me instruction. I am not sure where you are going to give birth at but I do know Good Samaritan Hospital does both. If you are still worried call your OB- they will beable to help you.

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J.

answers from
Chicago
on
August 04, 2006

If you can get someone to go to the library for you, there are all kinds of videos and/or books on these subjects...also there are lactation consultants that do home visits, check with your birthing class instructor if you had one....or go online and look under books, you can probably have them shipped to you, maybe amazonbooks.com might have something.

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A.A.

answers from
Chicago
on
August 04, 2006

K.,
I would highly recommend hiring a Doula. La Leche League will be helpful for breastfeeding and you may want to hire a private Lactation Consultant as well. Or call the hospital you will be delivering at and see if their LC can help you. And read lots of books. The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding and Birthing from Within are great.
Good luck!
A.

You might want to start there. She visited my home twice after I gave birth for advice on going back to work. I even purchased my pump (brand new) directly from her. The cost was the same as the stores but through her I got advice and a demonstration.

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J.P.

answers from
Chicago
on
August 16, 2006

We also are not able to get to childbirth classes and are considering buying a DVD to watch at home. I have also seen on the web some places that will come to you and do an 8 week "class" for you and your partner. If I find the link I will let you know.

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S.W.

answers from
Minneapolis
on
August 07, 2006

Congrats on your uncoming baby! It's very exciting. You're scare was probably horrible, but you'll be fine & bed rest isn't so bad. Books on tape are great!!! Anyway, I recommend you get a doula or a nurse/midwife professional. Research it online and make some calls. They will come to your house for an interview and you can pick the one you are most comfortable with. They usually have classes they teach at some location, but I'm sure they will give you private ones in your home because of your situation. They are so sensitive and caring and knowledgable; plus they make you feel so comfortable in a very scary and uncertain time in your life.

But, more importantly, I highly recommend a doula in general. I didn't think I needed one for my first; I took the classes & thought it was enough. I ended up in labor & then in a c-section with my first. When I was PG with my second, I considered a v-bac instead of a 2nd c-section & I interviwed several doulas. They were all great!!! I think if I had had any of them with my first, things may have been different, at least I would have felt more supported overall. Anyway, I decided to do a 2nd c-section so I never hired anyone, but I would recommend a doula to ANYONE! You're hubby is only so great - she is there only for you. Good luck & I hope you have an easy few weeks and an easy birth and a wonderful future!

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C.

answers from
Chicago
on
August 04, 2006

My husband and I rented VHS/DVD's from the local library. Also you can call the LeLeache League and they will send information and someone out to your house. A very good book is "The Art of Breastfeeding" (not sure on the author might be from the LeLeache League). I highly advise reading ahead of the arrival of the baby as I found breastfeeding really is an art and not as natural of a process that I had thought it would be. Best Wishes to you and the baby!!

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J.T.

answers from
Chicago
on
August 04, 2006

K.,
Congratulations on your pregnancy and upcoming (not too soon) birth! I am a lactation consultant in private practice in Naperville and the walls of my practice are not limited to my office. I can travel to a pregnant mother's home to teach her a prenatal breastfeeding class. The length of the class is 90 minutes to 2 hours, depending upon how many questions you may have. I also have a few suggestions for preventing preterm labor, and perhaps a resrouce for someone who could come to your home to teach you childbirth classes. Call if you are interested.
J. Talmadge, IBCLC
Lactation Innovation
www.lactationinnovation.comNaperville, IL
(630) ###-###-####

Even if you don't do a natural birth, the above books are really good because they go into more depth about the process, and from my experience, knowledge is very empowering. If you go into it informed, you won't be nearly as scared because you know what to expect. Depending on your hospital, your lactation consultants may or may not be good....and sometimes it is hard to tell when you are a first time Mom. (Mine sucked and I had LOTS of problems.) It took me a month to get my son to latch correctly and it was the most frustrating time ever....but I used that book alot for reference and found a good lactation consultant back in my home town. I have successfully now nursed my son for over 2 years and it has been a wonderful experience after that rocky start. Support is very important. You might be able to get a LL leader to come to your home and discuss things with you, show you the different holds, etc. And then you will have someone to call when you need help....I know paying for a LC isn't always an option. A good website for nursing information is www.kellymom.com.

Good luck! And I hope your bedrest goes smoothly, I know it can kind of drive you batty!!

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N.W.

answers from
Chicago
on
August 03, 2006

I'm not sure about the birthing class, but you may be able to get advice and information about breastfeeding from your local La Leche League group. Here is the address to their site http://www.lalecheleague.org/ Also, the hospital probably has lactation consultants that you could talk to that may even come to your home.

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A.S.

answers from
Chicago
on
August 05, 2006

K.,
I'm sorry to hear about your rest.
However, my classes were a complete waste of time!
Read books on pregnancy and nursing by Dr. William Sears--they are great. Also, anyone at the la Leche League would be happy to help you in a more personal way. And, of course, there will be lactation consultants available at the hospital.
Birthways can help you, also. This is a doula agency who taught me about the books and the breastfeeding. Their number is ###-###-####.
Good Luck. You will do fine!
Amy S.

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M.M.

answers from
Chicago
on
August 07, 2006

You can call Edwards Hospital they actually offer classes, but I'm sure that if you tell them your situation they will send you the information that they give out at the classes I believe that there is even a video for one of them. Give them a call Good Luck!!!

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K.M.

answers from
Chicago
on
August 06, 2006

K.:
I am a certified childbirth educator and a labor support doula.
Where do you live? What hospital are you planning to deliver from? When are you do?
Depending on your answers, you could possibly hire a certified doula to come to your home and teach you classes. Also there are classes available on line at IVillage About Pregnancy.com click on the link to childbirth classes. Of course this does not really teach you the breathing and positioning and comfort measures that you will really need. Are you thinking natural birth? or epidural? Write back, possibly I could help you or link you up with someone who can.
K. M.

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K.C.

answers from
Chicago
on
August 04, 2006

K.,
I'm not sure what hospital you will deliver at, but I went to Central Dupage Hosptial in Winfield and they gave me a whole notebook/binder of materials that cover caring for your baby and tons of reading on breast feeding. Maybe you could call ahead the hospital and see if you could get the information before the baby arrives? The best help I recieved on breast feeding was from the lactation specialist at the hospital once my daughter was born. They will come and visit you as often as you request them.
Good luck and try to relax and get your rest now - you will need it once that little one comes along. ~ K.

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K.

answers from
Chicago
on
August 04, 2006

K.- there was a lady on bedrest when I was taking my class and her doctor let her out of bed for 1 week per week to come to the class. I don;t know if that is your situation. As far as breastfeeding, The Nursing Mother's Companion is the best as far as good practical advice. Also there are websites with video for latching techniques and such.

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S.X.

answers from
Chicago
on
September 29, 2006

You can probably get a lactation consultant to come in your home... but when we delivered we watched the video in the hosp room and the RN helped us. I bet you can get a video from a library? or hospital?

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J.R.

answers from
Chicago
on
August 04, 2006

I am a Lamaze trained instructor who is in the middle of certification- I need students who are are willing to have a once a week class ( 2 hours in your home is fine) for five weeks. I would charge one hundred dollars for this service (it is helping me too!) I also would need an evaluation at the end ( I would supply it). Does this sound interesting? I am J. Roth CD DONA Intl (certified doula for birth) ###-###-####
or cell ###-###-####

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N.O.

answers from
Chicago
on
August 04, 2006

Hi K.,

I know it's all so unknown and that can be scary but my personal opinion is you will be fine with or without the classes. The nurses will guide you and you will be so preoccupied and in your own world you're not going to think about what you learned in class when the time comes. Every labor is so different that no class can tell you really what to expect or not to expect. If you have specific questions I would be happy to answer with what I know from my delivery experience. FYI, my girlfriend just delivered 12 weeks ago w/o classes and was just fine. Let me know if I can help.

N. - Mom of an almost 19 month old and just found out number two is on the way!